Bumper weekend for Bradford boosts city nightlife

Britpop legend Damon Albarn has heaped praise on Bradford's cultural offer, after two Bradford Live gigs kicked off a new tour for his band Gorillaz this weekend.

Albarn, who was also spotted dining at the nearby International curry restaurant before the Saturday show, fronted two gigs in the recently restored venue. He delighted the Bradford crowd by heaping praise on the 'absolutely beautiful' Bradford Live auditorium and his fondness for the city's culture.

While fans rushed to social media to applaud the atmosphere at the packed Gorillaz shows, local businesses also reported a noticeable boost in trade, with packed houses at the nearby Alhambra Theatre and St George's Hall too.

Jonny Noble, chief executive at Bradford BID, was in the audience for Gorillaz's Friday show, and describes the city centre as 'buzzing' at the weekend.

Jonny said: "To have such a big international act in Bradford, and to see upwards of 5,000 people in the city centre for the events on Saturday evening really demonstrates the power of having a strong evening and night-time economy. Anecdotally, we've had reports of strong trading from pubs and restaurants, which I think we all hope continues as Bradford Live's reputation for quality gigs grows.

On a personal level, being able to bring my family to a venue that has such a special place in my heart, and the hearts of many Bradfordians, was a great moment for me."

Kevin Dean, director at The City Vaults and Ginger Goose bars in the city centre, adds: "We've had a very busy weekend thanks to the Gorillaz gigs at Bradford Live and other shows in town. To see the city centre so busy on a Friday and Saturday night is very encouraging. We had people who had never been to Bradford before praising the venue, saying what a great night out they've had, and promising to come back again."

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, executive member for planning, transport, and Regeneration on Bradford Council, said: "It's been fantastic to see such an enthusiastic response to these much-anticipated gigs at Bradford Live, not least from a true pop-culture legend.

I'm delighted that Damon Albarn loves what we've done with our restoration of Bradford Live, and it looks like he had a cracking weekend in Bradford.

We've always said that heritage and culture-led regeneration are going to provide a huge boost to Bradford's economy, and this weekend has shown that in action."

This weekend's boost comes after Bradford successfully secured Purple Flag status for the city centre for the second year in a row. The national accolade recognises places that have a strong and well-managed night time and evening economy in place.